The Ninebot Max G30 is one of today’s most googled A-brand electric scooters. More than two years after the appearance of this impressive two-wheeler, it was high time to put the Max G30 to a proper test.
Shortly after its release, this scooter was already praised for its sturdy build, large tyres and 65-kilometre range. The latter in particular was a pleasant surprise for Segway enthusiasts. This immediately made the Max the model with the greatest range within the Segway range.
All these above-average specifications also came at an above-average price tag. With a price around €800, the Ninebot Max drives itself into the high price segment. What can you expect from this high-end electric scooter? Is the Ninebot Max really the ‘Max’?
We take you through our in-depth review.
Long story short
The Ninebot Max G30 was released in Europe on 25 September 2019. The scooter is designed for adults and has a carrying weight of 100 kg. With the 551 Wh battery present, you have a maximum range of 65 kilometres.
The hinge at the front of the steerer tube makes it possible to fold the scooter and take it with you on public transport. Weighing 18 kg, the Ninebot Max G30 is slightly heavier than its predecessors.
The 350W motor has about 100W more power than other Segway models. The increased power is clearly noticeable when accelerating and climbing hills. The two 10″ pneumatic tyres, combined with the sturdy construction, ensure a safe feeling while riding.
The main pluses and minuses of the Ninebot Max G30
| Plus points | Minuses |
| + Maximum slope of 20% | – Carrying capacity of up to 100 kg |
| + Solid motor power of 350W | – At 18 kg, slightly heavier than other Segway scooters |
| + Range of 65 kilometres on a full battery | |
| + Equipped with two sturdy 10″ pneumatic tyres | |
| + Little vibration in the steering wheel when the road is uneven |
Building quality and safety
On the first ride, we immediately noticed one important aspect: you feel safe while riding. The scooter owes this entirely to its sturdy construction, consisting of lightweight aluminium alloy material.
The 17 cm wide, 65 cm long, deck and 10″ air-filled tyres ensure you roll smoothly over the road surface. Many of the parts are large and robust.
The stem (the part that suffers most from vibrations and impacts), is quite thick and can take a lot. The tyres also provide good shock absorption.
Along with the non-slip rubber deck, the Ninebot Max has an IP 54 water-resistance rating, meaning the scooter can withstand a downpour and is dust-proof.
Acceleration and top speed
The Ninebot Max G30 features the well-known kick-start. This means that you first push off with one foot, then accelerate. This system ensures you don’t unintentionally go down from a standstill.
The maximum speed of the G30 is 25 km/h. In the centre of the display is a button that lets you switch between three speed modes:
- Eco mode: up to a maximum of 15 km/h
- Drive mode: up to a maximum of 20 km/h
- Sport mode: up to a maximum of 25 km/h
Although the scooter is said to have a range of 65 kilometres, in most cases this will be lower if you only use Sport mode.
One of the features that clearly stands out with this scooter is its acceleration. The power of the 350W motor is clearly noticeable when you accelerate and want to accelerate.
You also notice this when you want to climb a hill. During our tests, we effortlessly climbed a 15% hill at a maximum speed of 21 km/h.
The braking system
The brakes of the Max G30 are operated via the hand brake on the left side of the handlebars. The braking system consists of an electronic rear brake and a front drum brake.
From top speed, you are back at a standstill in no time. Although this system works well, it would have been nice for the feeling of safety if there had been an extra braking point.
The braking system is a so-called regenerative braking system. This means that when the brake is applied, the scooter gives a bit of energy back to the battery (in addition to braking).
The rear light also serves as a brake light during braking and flashes when you press the handbrake.
Good to know: don’t be tempted to put your foot on the rear wheel to slow down the scooter. This will cause the mudguard to break off rather than slowing you down.
Tyres and ride comfort
The G30 features large 10″ wheels with 5mm tread. Whereas Segway Ninebot has switched a lot between air and solid tyres in recent years, the Ninebot Max features solid, 7 cm wide, pneumatic tyres.
Although you risk a puncture with pneumatic tyres, this type of tyre is always our preference. During our review, we exposed the G30’s tyres to several surfaces. And we have to say: we were pleasantly surprised.
The scooter is not made to brave off-road terrain. In contrast, you can ride over gravel paths and cobbles just fine, without being shaken up.
Both tyres have a valve. You can connect a normal bicycle pump or an electric pump to this.
The range
With a range (or maximum range) of 65 kilometres, we can safely call the Ninebot Max a ‘mile-eater’. With most e-scooters, the range in the booklet differs from the actual range.
While driving, we soon got the impression that this could be different in the case of the Max G30. It was only after 10 kilometres (in Sport mode) that the first battery mark started flashing.
Whether you actually reach the promised 65 kilometres depends (mainly, but not only) on:
- Tyre pressure
- The speed at which you drive
- The weight at which the scooter is loaded
But how does the Ninebot Max G30 perform against other Ninebot models when it comes to the price-to-actile range ratio? Here are the differences:
| Model | Range | Average price |
| Ninebot Max G30 | 65 kilometres | £732,25 |
| Ninebot E45E | 45 kilometres | £631,95 |
| Ninebot F40 | 45 kilometres | £611,54 |
| Ninebot E22E | 22 kilometres | £382,54 |
If we do the math on the price-to-actility ratio, the Ninebot Max is the cheapest Segway Ninebot scooter per kilometre. This makes this model a very interesting choice when choosing Segway Ninebot.
Charging
The Max G30 features a 551 Wh, 15300 mAh, Lithium ion battery. You can fully charge an empty battery within 6 hours using the included charger.
Note: always use an original charger.
The charging port is located on the front left side of the deck. The connector is covered with a black, magnetic, rubber which should prevent dirt on the contacts.
There is a light on the charger that indicates when the scooter is fully charged. To maintain the battery, it is advisable not to ride it completely empty, but to charge it when it is still 20-30% full.
The deck
If you list all Segway Ninebot models, you won’t discover extremely many differences in the appearance of the scooters. This also applies to the deck. Whereas earlier models incorporated red accents in the deck and on the wheels, this is yellow on the G30.
At 65 cm long and 17 cm wide, there is enough room to accommodate both feet. The deck is connected to the rear mudguard at the back. This wing is also the attachment point where the handlebars fold against, when you fold the scooter.
The steering wheel and dashboard
The steering wheel and dashboard are straightforward and leave little to the imagination. The (non-adjustable) handlebars are 47 centimetres wide and 114 centimetres high. A bell is attached to the handlebars on the left side. The (thumb) throttle is on the right.
The handlebars feature remarkably comfortable grips on either side. Now you may be thinking: does that really make a difference? For small rides, no. But, if you go for a long ride (which is possible with this scooter), it’s still nice that the handlebars are comfortable to hold.
In the centre of the display is the function button, which allows you to control the following functions:
| Operation | Function |
| 1x press | Switch on the scooter |
| Press once when the scooter is switched on | Lighting on / off |
| Press 2x when the scooter is switched on | Changing gears |
| Press and hold for 3 seconds | Switch off the scooter |
The lighting
Going for a ride in the dark? No problem. Because you are highly visible to fellow road users in the dark, thanks to the bright LED lights at the front and back.
In addition, the rear light also works as a brake light. If you press the handbrake, the rear light will flash. Both wheels are also fitted with yellow reflectors for a bit of extra visibility.
Portability and weight
At 18 kg, the Ninebot Max is not the lightest e-scooter on the market. It is good to take this into account if, for example, you want to take the scooter on public transport on a daily basis.
To fold the scooter and take it with you, perform the following actions:
- Flip the lever at the bottom of the steering tube (at the front of the scooter) forward
- Fold back the handlebar until it clicks onto the rear wheel using the clip on the handlebar
- Lift the scooter by the handlebar tube
Once folded, the G30 has dimensions of 112 x 47 x 53 cm. Folded out, it measures 112 x 47 x 114 cm.
Segway Ninebot app
With the Segway Ninebot app, you can connect the Ninebot Max to your smartphone via bluetooth. In the app, you can view data such as battery level, mileage and range.
You also get to see maintenance notifications via the app and can download firmware updates here. In addition, you can lock the scooter in the app. This locks the motor. While this is a nice functionality, you will still need a lock to secure your scooter against theft.
The Segway Ninebot app can be downloaded for Android and IOS here:
Technical specifications Ninebot Max G30
| Specs | Ninebot Max G30 |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h |
| Range | 65 km |
| Number of speed modes | 3 |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Bearing weight | 100 kg |
| Loading time | 6 hours |
| Wheel size | 10″ |
| Tyre type | Pneumatic tyres |
| Power | 350W (700W max output) |
| Battery | 551 Wh |
| Dimensions unfolded | 112 x 47 x 114 cm |
| Dimensions collapsed | 112 x 47 x 53 cm |
| Maximum slope | 20% |
| Braking system | Hand brake (electronic rear brake, front drum brake) |
| Available as standard | Yes |
| Lighting available | Yes |
| Brake light present | Yes |
| Reflectors present | Yes |
| Waterproof | IP 54 |
The final verdict
The Ninebot Max G30 can undoubtedly call itself one of the best electric scooters under £887,57. It is certainly not the cheapest e-scooter for adults, but it is a scooter you can enjoy for a long time.
It is a safe means of transport which, with a range of 65 kilometres, can be seen as a worthy alternative to the scooter. Therefore, we cannot but conclude that this model is a very interesting choice for most adults.
